We are thrilled to present the second edition of The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi. A total of 46 restaurants have been selected in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, covering 21 different types of cuisine, as well as including 4 Michelin Stars and 6 Bib Gourmands.
This selection perfectly illustrates the ambition and passion chefs have in this thrilling destination, with Abu Dhabi's restaurants having impressed the anonymous Michelin Inspectors. The city's exponential growth has been accompanied by increasing numbers of new restaurant openings, while the diversity of the culinary scene is mightily impressive. Food and travel lovers are sure to find a great variety of delicious establishments, run by hospitality professionals who know how to surprise and please their guests.
Erth Joins Abu Dhabi's Michelin-Starred Family
Erth has become the fourth restaurant in Abu Dhabi to be awarded One Michelin Star. Its name means 'legacy' and it sits in the shadow of the historic Qasr Al Hosn, in a beautifully designed property inspired by the local area. The food is equally memorable, as the kitchen adds its own modern twists to the refined Emirati dishes.
Erth joins the 3 restaurants already awarded a Michelin Star in last year’s inaugural guide: Talea by Antonio Guida, Hakkasan and
99 Sushi Bar.
Two Restaurants Newly Awarded A Bib Gourmand
6 establishments now hold a Michelin Bib Gourmand, with two newly awarded this year.
Oii is a warm and welcoming brasserie with a menu brimming with sunny, fresh and satisfying Mediterranean dishes that have been skillfully prepared and attractively presented. The prices are more than competitive and it's run by a charming team.
At Al Mrzab, the fact that you will probably have to wait for a table testifies to the deserved popularity of this traditional restaurant. It may always be busy, but the chefs take obvious care when preparing the classic, good value Emirati and Kuwaiti dishes.
These restaurants join the 4 who were awarded a Bib Gourmand in last year’s Guide: Almayass, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro and ťazal.
A total of nine restaurants were added to The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi this year: Erth, Ray’s Grill, Yadoo’s House, Maté, José by Pizarro, terra, Kopitiam by Chandy’s, Al Farah and Les Dangereux. The cuisines range from Spanish to Malaysian, Argentinean to Emirati.
The MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
For the second edition of The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, our inspectors pinpointed three worthy recipients of the MICHELIN Special Awards.Service Award: Chandran Thanggaraja, Kopitiam by Chandy’s
Chandran is one of the owners of this simple little restaurant that prides itself on serving authentic Malaysian cuisine. What makes dining here special – other than the great cooking – is the service. The team are genuinely welcoming and friendly, they know the dishes well and they are happy to make recommendations. Nothing is too much trouble, which is down to Chandran; he is very hands-on, has his eye on everything and ensures that dining here is enjoyed by all.
Opening of the Year Award: Les Dangereux
It's hard not to notice this spacious restaurant at the western end of Mamsha Al Saadiyat. But it's not only the good looks that impress – the delectable dishes are equally memorable. It’s early days for this restaurant owned by James Soo Young Kim, but the Michelin Inspectors are looking forward to discovering how it evolves, and this is why they have chosen it as their Opening of The Year.Young Chef Award: Rigers Cuka, Oii
Our inspectors thoroughly enjoyed their visits to Oii. The responsibilities of running a kitchen and a front of house team are normally split between two people but here they are managed by just one: Chef-Manager Rigers Cuka. Our Young Chef Award this year recognises not just a chef with a great talent for cooking, but one with managerial skills well beyond his years.The Abu Dhabi restaurant selection is joined by The MICHELIN Guide's selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Abu Dhabi and throughout the world.
Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by The MICHELIN Guide's hotel experts for its extraordinary style, service, and personality – with options for all budgets – and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Abu Dhabi features the country’s most spectacular hotels, including modern marvels like the Park Hyatt, Rosewood, Andaz Capital Gate, W Yas Island and The Abu Dhabi EDITION, and also the more tradition-minded Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, one of UAE's only palace-style hotels.
